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1 Second Suites: Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are second suites? Second Suites are second dwelling units located on one property typically found in basements of single dwelling units. A Second Suite can also be located in detached garages that have been converted into a dwelling unit. 2. Why is the City permitting them? The Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act requires that municipalities across Ontario amend their planning documents to facilitate the creation of second suites. Second suites provide a form of affordable housing and help owners defray the cost of home ownership. 3. Why not in the Georgian College area? The City of Barrie has an Incentive program to help facilitate purpose built student housing in the Georgian Collegee area specifically to mitigate the impact of students in established neighbourhoods and to ensure that dedicated student housing is providedd which is safe, clean and properly administered by a property management specialist. Allowing second suites would undermine these efforts and exacerbate the existing issues in the area. 4. What are the benefits of second suites? Second suites provide a form of affordable housing which is relativelyy simple to implement. Second suites will assist the City in increasing the vacancy rate to healthy standard while providing individuals defray the cost of home ownership. 5. What does grandfathering mean and how can I find out iff my property is grandfathered? Grandfathering is a term used to allow for uses to exist without meeting all or some of the bylaw standards and provisions. To find out if your property is grandfathered, legal proof will have to be provided to Planning Services indicating the date the subject property contained a second dwelling unit (Second Suite).. 6. How are second suites enforced? Generally second suites are enforced upon receipt of a complaint however pending the availability of staff resources; staff will also review rental advertisements both online and in printed media format. 7. I m a landlord, what are my responsibilities? Compliance with the City of Barrie s Zoning By law regulations (barrie.ca/bylaws). Please also refer to the Property Standards for Renters & Tenants. 8. How do I upgrade an existing second suite? Apply for building permit and have a qualified person evaluate the: Detection and alarm systems for early warning Escape and means of egress for exiting Fire containmen for fire separations between suites 9. When do I need a building permit? A building permit is required when theree is a Change of Use (adding suite) OR any construction thatt affects: Detection and alarm systems Affecting means of egress Affecting fire separations, or Adding/changin ng plumbing systems Page 1 of 5

2 10. How do I obtain the building permit? Note: a Zoning Certificatee required priorr to or at building permit submission (please refer to question 14). a. Apply in person on the 8 th Floor of City Hall located at 70 Collier St b. Download application via barrie.ca/buildingpermits 11. What are the building code requirements? The Building Code provides two different scenarios depending on when your home was constructed. Part 9 of the Building Code applies to new construction, including new dwelling units containing a Second Residential Unit. Part 9 also applies to an addition to your home that is intended to accommodate all or a portion of a proposed Second Residential Unit. If your home is greater than five years old, acceptable alternative design standards are provided within Part 11 of the Building Code. The following tables outline some of the requirements of the Building Code ass they relate to Second Residential Units. Alternative Part 11 standards are noted where applicable. All relevantt sections of thee Building Code apply and in the case of a discrepancy between the tables below and the original text of the Building Code, the Building Code shall apply. Minimumm Room Area 13.5 m² (145 sq. ft.) combined with a 11.0 m² (118 sq. ft.) kitchen and a dining areaa (intended for not more than two persons) 7.0 m² (75 sq. ft.) if combined with 3.25 m² (35 sq. ft.) other spaces 4.2 m² (45 sq. ft.) 9.8 m² (105 sq. ft.) 7.0 m² (75 sq. ft.) Bathroom Sufficient space to accommodate a toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower stall. Minimumm Room Heights combined with a floor area with a clear height of 2.1 m (6 11 ) at kitchen and a dining areaa if combined with floor area with a clear height of 2.1 m (6 11 ) at other spaces floor area with a clear height of 2.1 m (6 11 ) at Clear height of 2.1 m (6 11 ) at Clear height of 2.1 m (6 11 ) at Minimumm Window (Light) Area 10% of area served 10% of area served No window required Smoke Alarm Each sleeping room Interconnected (i.e. between units) smoke alarms Common area of suite Interconnected (i.e. between units) smoke alarms Plumbing Facilities Provide Washroom with toilet, basin and/or House greater than 5 years old 13.5 m² (145 sq. ft.) 11.0 m² (118 sq. ft.) 7.0 m² (75 sq. ft.) 3.25 m² (35 sq. ft.) 4.2 m² (45 sq. ft.) 9.8 m² (105 sq. ft.) 7.0 m² (75 sq. ft.) Sufficient space to accommodate a toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower stall. Minimum 1950 mm (6 4 ¾ ) over the required floor area this is the minimum height required in a means of egress. No window required Independent battery operated alarms Independent battery operated alarms Provide Washroom with toilet, basin Page 2 of 5

3 Heating Systems Ventilation Fire separations Dimensions of Means of Egress Width (in suite) Hallway Width (shared areas) Height of above hallway means of egress Width of Stairs in suite Height over stairs/landings Width of shared stairs Landings as wide as stair and length not less than Guards Egress Window Unless the floor level has DIRRECT ACCESS TO EXERIOR (e.g. if bedrooms are in basement then not direct access to exterior) all floor levels shall have one window that meets the following requirements Exit Doors tub/shower stall and/or tub/shower stall Provide kitchen sink Provide kitchen sink Provide laundry hook in suite or in common area Provide laundry hook in suite or in of property common area of property Principal and Second Residential Unit require Existing system may service both units; separate heating systems a smoke detector must be installed in the supply or return air duct which would turn off the fuel supply and electrical power to the heating system when triggered Provide mechanical or natural ventilation Provide mechanical or natural ventilation 45 minute fire separation (e.g. 5/8 type X 3o minute fire separation (e.g. 5/8 type drywall x drywall) OR Door assemblies within fire separationn are 15 minute fire separation (e.g. ½ type required to have a minimum rating off 20 minutes c drywall (OBC ) OR Smoke seal (sprinkler building) All supporting structures (columns, beams, arches) too be same rating as what they support. Door assemblies within fire separationn are required too have a minimum rating of 20 minutes (OBC ) 900mmm (2 11 7/8 ) 1100mm (3 7 5/16 ) 2100mm (6 10 5/8 ) 860mmm (2 9 7/8 ) 1950mm (6 4 ¾ ) serving single unit 2050mm (6 8 11/16 ) (shared stair) 900mmm (2 11 7/8 ) 860mmm (2 9 7/8 ) 800mm (2 7 7/ /8 ) 800mm (2 7 7/ /8 ) Minimum 1950 mm (6 4 ¾ ) 700mm (2 3 9/ /16 ) 1800mm /8 700mm (2 3 9/ /16 ) 860mm (2 9 7/ /8 ) To meet current requirements Existing acceptable unless Chief Building Official considers them unsafe It is beneficial to all to have handrails and guards meet current standards Openable area of NOT less than 0.35m^2 (3.8 sq. ft.) No dimension less than 380mm (15 ) Remain open without additional support NO specialized knowledge required to openn (e.g. keys, tools If opens into window well 550mm (1 9 5/8 )clearance All exit doors are required too swing on a vertical axis (OBC & (1)) Page 3 of 5

4 12. What are the steps involved with getting approval? Step 1: Obtain a Zoning Compliance Certificate A Zoning Compliance Certificate confirms the second suite is a permitted use and the use complies with zoning standards. The certificate can be obtained from Planning Services: Planning Services Department City Hall,, 1st Floor 70 Collier Street Barrie, ON L4M 4T5 Phone: ( 705) Fax: (705) planning@barrie.ca Step 2: Obtain a Building Permit or Change of Use Permit A Building Permit or Change of Use Permit can be obtained from Building Services and confirms compliance with: Fire preventionn via electrical safety inspectionn Fire detection and alarm system for early warning Fire escape for exiting Fire containment with rated fire separation between units Download application via barrie.ca/buildingpermits or contact: Building Services Department 70 Collier Street, P.O. Box 400, Barrie, ON L4M 4T5 Phone: ( 705) Fax: (705) building@barrie.ca If the second suite was created prior to 1996: Section 9.8 of the Ontario Fire Code sets construction standards. Barrie Fire & Emergency Service will conduct an inspection and confirm as built compliance. Any deficiencies involving construction will require a Building Permit. If the second suite was created after 1996 and the area is alreadyy finished space: A qualified person must evaluate the existing construction forr compliance with Part 10 of the Building Code. The compliance report noting all necessary upgrades must bee submitted withh an application for a Change of Use Permit. When a permit is issued, upgrades, if required, must be completed and inspected. If the second suite does not yet exist and the space is unfinished: : A qualified person must design the required construction for compliance withh Part 9 of the Building Code. The construction plans must be submitted with an applicationn for a Building Permit. When the permit is issued, construction can commence. Inspections are required at specified stages of construction. Step 3: Obtain a Registration Certificate from Planning Services Registration Certificates can be obtained from Planning Services upon completion of steps 1 & 2: Planning Services Department City Hall,, 1st Floor 70 Collier Street Barrie, ON L4M 4T5 Phone: ( 705) Fax: (705) planning@barrie.ca Page 4 of 5

5 13. What will this cost? The fees are primarily determined by the age of the second suite and dependent on whatt inspections will be necessary: currently the registration fee is $ ( additional inspection fees may be applicable). The cost of submitting an application to the Planning Services Department for a Zoning Certificate is $135.00, additional fees may bee applicable. The Fire Code inspection fee, as set out by the City of Barrie which covers your initial inspection and one re inspection should there be deficiencies that need to be brought into compliance. If additional re inspections are required to bring the property intoo compliance thee general fire inspection fee will apply. Fees are billed to the applicant and payment is required upon receipt of an invoice. Units created within the recent two year period under a building permit do not need a Fire Code inspection. A Change of Use Permit with construction will cost $9.30/m 2 with a minimum fee of $ A Change of Use Permit without construction will cost $2.80/m 2 withh a minimum fee of $ Fee covers the cost of Building Inspections.. The Property Standards inspection fee of $ as set out in the City of Barrie Fee By law covers the cost of your initial inspection and follow up inspection(s) to a maximum of twoo (2) working hours. Units created within the recent two year period under a building permit do not need a Property Standards inspection. Development Charges, Education Levies and/or Parkland Contribution may also be applicable. For confirmation, please contact the Finance Department located on the first floor of City Hall or at , ext Page 5 of 5